Historical information

The Illuminated Address was presented to James Tonkin on March 4, 1895, honouring his extraordinary bravery in rescuing miner Owen R. Owen from suffocation in foul air at the Collmann and Tacchi Company’s No. 3 shaft in California Gully, Bendigo. Mayor John Green, J.P., of Eaglehawk presented the address and a Mining Department bravery certificate at the Mechanics' Institute in California Gully. The document was created by local resident Mr. Rogers

Physical description

Illuminated Address presented to James Tonkin recognising bravery, when he descended into a mine three times to rescue Owen R Owen who had fallen down a mine shaft at the Collmann and Tacchi Mine in 1895. The address reads: "James Tonkin" We, the undersigned, having formed ourselves into a committee to raise funds by public subscription in commendation of your noble art. In descending the No 3 shaft at the Collman and Tacchi mine and rescuing the miner Owen R Owen the risk and danger of your own life. We therefore have much pleasure in presenting you with a purse of sovereigns and an illuminated testimonial being voluntary subscribed in the public of Bendigo, Eaglehawk and the surrounding district. In conclusion we hope that you will be restored to perfect health again and enjoy the comforts of this life with great prosperity. Signed for the committee by John Green (Chairperson, Mayor of Eaglehawk), Richard Williams (Treasurer), Thomas Harry (Secretary). March 4th 1895